Speak

Characteristics of Successful Speaker Applicants

Here is a checklist of things we’re specifically looking for in speaker applications:

1

You’re a credentialed expert or highly experienced in the field relating to your topic

2

You have a new idea in your field that few know about, or a new take on an old idea

3

You have a specific action or actions you’d like your audience to undertake

4

You have the required time available to dedicate to developing your talk with our team (see application form below for specifics)

5

You’re passionate about TED

If you have all of those characteristics, then by all means apply and we may select you to speak at TEDxWinnipeg! Be sure to do so before applications close at midnight, December 12.

What does TEDxWinnipeg expect from its speakers?

First and foremost, as a celebration of ideas, we want to see you bring yours! Remember, TEDx talks aim to be tight, bright, and full of passion. Your TEDx presentation can be an absolute maximum of 18 minutes and preferably much shorter: long enough to say something of significance, but short enough to hold everyone’s attention. While those few minutes may be shorter than you’re used to, TEDx events have proven that a carefully prepared talk of this length can have astonishing impact. (See TED.com for examples.)

Where else will my TEDxWinnipeg talk be seen?

All TEDxWinnipeg talks will be live-streamed online during the event to an audience of thousands! Even better, after the event is over your presentation will be posted online on the official TEDxTalks YouTube channel. It could even be featured on TED.com itself, where videos routinely receive hundreds of thousands or even millions of viewers. All talks will be recorded at TV production quality. If you’re still new to the TED experience, here are a few talks worth checking out to see what we mean.

How do I become a TEDx Speaker?

Read all the information on this page then scroll to the bottom of this page.

Applications close at midnight, December 12th.

Keep scrolling for more info

Are there any other rules for TEDxWinnipeg talks?

As a TED offshoot, TEDx events will be following the official TED speaker rules. We do not accept talks that are political, religious or commercial in nature — no “selling from the stage,” please — and there is strict enforcement of the clock. If you accept our invitation, we will take you through a comprehensive coaching process on how to tailor and deliver the perfect talk for our audience. TED has never paid speakers to appear, but has always committed to creating an experience that’s tremendously fulfilling and beneficial on all sides, and as a TEDx event we plan to do the same.

Even though you may have delivered 10 or 100 or even 1000 presentations, this one is different. TED Talks are not standard presentations — they are performances, stories or experiences. Do not think of TEDx as a typical conference; it is much more like theatre.

TEDxWinnipeg prioritizes new voices and first-time speakers. Applicants who have previously spoken at TEDxWinnipeg may be considered lower priority in order to make room for new perspectives.

What Is TEDxWinnipeg Looking For?

We look for speakers who inspire others with their “Idea Worth Spreading.” Amazing, Funny, Jaw-Dropping or Beautiful are some of the characteristics we desire. Speakers should be persuasive, ingenious and informative. Speakers should be ready to deliver the most awesome speech they have ever given. The speakers we need are those who have done something incredible or discovered something astonishing — something they can give to each and every member of our audience. Something the audience can carry home and use to change the world in their own way.

Remember, your talk should not only be a STORY WORTH TELLING, but must ALSO have an IDEA WORTH SPREADING. A deep passion and dedication to a cause, a concept or a journey is within every TEDx speaker. The ideal speaker changes the world around them and will change you as well.

Applications close Dec 12th at MIDNIGHT

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Apply now to become a TEDx Speaker

  • Specify your personal pronouns
  • TEDxWinnipeg only accepts applicants from Winnipeg and surrounding areas to focus on local ideas and people. Verify you currently live in Winnipeg or the surrounding area.
  • In one or two sentences, what is your idea worth spreading?
  • Estimate the length of your talk in minutes
  • Describe the goal of your talk. What do you want people to do differently after hearing your talk? What actions would you like them to undertake? (512 chars MAX!)
  • Tell us a little bit about yourself. Who are you? What makes you appropriate to discuss this topic? Include links to any relevant pages you'd like us to watch.
  • Provide URL(s) of videos demonstrating your speaking experience. We'd really like to see you in action, only if you have a video. If you really want to, feel free to create a new video if you don't already have one.
  • Please pick the most appropriate description for your talk. Which one item best matches your talk?
  • Which options best describe your presentation style? Check all that apply
  • If you were to propose a working title for your talk, what would it be? (This is not final, just be descriptive)
  • How good are you at receiving feedback? (512 chars MAX)
  • How much time can you devote to working on your talk? Good TEDx talks typically require considerable effort to refine them before delivery and we want to ensure you have enough free time to do so. How much time can you CONSISTENTLY spend developing your talk?
  • How much coaching do you feel you could use on speaking?
  • Briefly describe your leadership capabilities. How good are you at leading people? (512 chars MAX)
  • We strongly advise speakers to participate in as many development events as possible. Which of the following can you attend? You will need to attend the auditions (Jan 5 mandatory), kick off (Jan 10 mandatory ), at least 2 rehearsals, and the tech rehearsal (May 27). Please review your schedule and let us know to the best of your ability which of these are able to attend. Important: Applicants are responsible for their own travel expenses.
  • If you're not able to attend the required meetings and rehearsals above, please explain why.
  • Being a part of the TEDx event will sometimes require you to work as a team. Briefly list 3 qualities about you that would help you work well in a team. (Max 512 characters)
  • What special requirements or accommodations do you require during preparation or on the day of TEDxWinnipeg? (256 chars max)
  • Which of your social media handles would you like us to check out? (512 characters max)